The aging network and the home modification needs of elders

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Sheets, Debra J.^* | Emerman, Jim | LaBuda, Dennis

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author, Andrus Gerontology Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191, USA Tel.: + 1 213 7401753; fax: + 1 213 7408241; e-mail: dsheets@rcf.usc.edu.

Abstract: A national survey of the aging network – State Units on Aging (n = 42) and Area Agencies on Aging (n = 342) – was conducted to examine their activities to address the assistive technology (AT) and home modifications (HM) needs of older adults. The study contrasts the awareness of and importance placed on AT/HM programs and services by state and local administrators of aging agencies; describes interagency activities; identifies challenges in service delivery; and discusses several innovative service models. These findings indicate that although state-level collaboration between the aging network and the rehabilitation system is on the rise, there has been little measurable impact on service delivery at the local level where the needs of elders with disabilities are addressed.

Keywords: Assistive technology, Home modifications, Aging network, Older adults with disabilities, Service delivery models

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-1997-7305

Journal: Technology and Disability, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 165-173, 1997